Germany Drone Laws (2019)

Germany Drone Laws

Img 1: Aerial Photography In Bahrain

  1. General Germany Drone Laws
  2. Drone Permits In Germany
  3. Brining Your Drone On Airplanes Guide
  4. Buying Drones In Germany
  5. Drone Travel Guide Articles
  6. Contact Information For Questions

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General Germany Drone Laws

Drone use is allowed in Germany, but there are several drone laws that need to be followed when flying in the country. Operators must ensure that they follow the following drone laws when flying in Germany,

  • Do not fly your drone over people or large crowds
  • Respect others privacy when flying your drone
  • Do not fly your drone over airports or in areas were aircraft are operating
  • You must fly during daylight hours and only fly in good weather conditions
  • Do not fly your drone in sensitive areas including government or military facilities. Use of drones or camera drones in these areas are prohibited.
Drones and model aircraft cannot be operated:
  • within 100 meters of or above people and public gatherings, the scene of an accident, disaster zones, other sites of operation of police or other organizations with security-related duties, and military drill sites;
  • within 100 meters of or above correctional facilities, military complexes, industrial complexes, power plants, and power generation and distribution facilities;
  • within 100 meters of or above the property of federal or state governments, diplomatic or consular missions, international organizations, and law enforcement and security agencies;
  • within 100 meters of or above federal highways, federal waterways, and railway systems;
  • above nature reserves;
  • above 100 meters;
  • above residential property if the drone or model aircraft weighs more than 0.25 kilograms or if it is able to receive, transmit, or record optical, acoustic, or radio signals;
  • In controlled airspace;
  • to transport explosives, pyrotechnic articles, radioactive materials, or hazardous materials; or within 100 meters of or above hospitals.

Permit Needed For Recreational Drone Use?

A drone permit is not required for recreational drone use, All drones and model aircraft weighing more than 0.25 kilograms must be marked with a permanent and fireproof label indicating the name and address of the owner. Operators of drones and model aircraft that weigh more than two kilograms will need certification to demonstrate that the operator has specialized knowledge of the operation of UAS and their legal framework. Please adhere to the above General Germany Drone Laws however when flying your drone. (What Is Recreational Drone Use?)

Permit Needed For Commercial Drone Use?

A permit is required for commercial drone use in Germany. All drones and model aircraft weighing more than 0.25 kilograms must be marked with a permanent and fireproof label indicating the name and address of the owner. Operators of drones and model aircraft that weigh more than two kilograms will need certification to demonstrate that the operator has specialized knowledge of the operation of UAS and their legal framework. Click here to purchase a permit, or contact the local aviation authority. (What Is Commercial Drone Use?)

Bringing Your Drone On Airplanes Guide

For a detailed guide to bringing your drone on airplanes click here. All drones should be brought on carry on luggage if possible. This is because according to the Montreal Convention, airlines are only liable for losses up to ~$1,000 USD. When traveling internationally, theft and lost luggage can be common issues, particularly if your flight has many connections. If your drone is worth more than $1,000 USD and you cannot bring it onto the plane you should consider shipping it with DHL, Fedex, or UPS instead and fully insure the shipment.

You should NOT place drone batteries in your checked baggage. All drone batteries should be placed in a Medium Size Lipo Battery Bag like the one shown here in the link and brought onto the plane in your carry on bag. Lithium-ion batteries are considered ""dangerous goods"" by airlines and rules surrounding these batteries on planes are EXTREMELY strict due to multiple incidents of these batteries catching fire. Failure to properly pack lithium-ion batteries in a bag such as the one shown in the link above can result in the airline seizing them, you getting fined, or being denied boarding.

Here is some video footage shot by View From Above when flying a drone in Germany.

Buying Drones In Czech Republic

Read all of our Germany Drone Laws, and now looking for drones, parts, accessories, or something else? Read our guide for Buying Drones In Germany. It includes information on drones for sale in Germany, import taxes, payment options, and shipping.

Drone Travel Guide

Germany drone laws are up to date as of June, 2019. Please email [email protected] , or click “leave a message” at the bottom right of the screen if you have any questions or comments.